Ray and I are on an Air France flight to Paris, waiting to take off. So far, I have no one on the other end of my row. Ray has the same. We are sitting in aisle seats and he is in front of me. He was supposed to be across but a teenage girl…
Author: lenleatherwood
I am a native Texan who has lived for the past 30 years in Southern California. I am a published author of both short memoir and fiction, a two-time Pushcart nominee, a nationally award-winning writing coach, an editor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. In addition, I am the mother of three grown daughters of whom I am extremely proud, a grandmother of four darling children and the wife of a man I still love after 44 years.
Off on a Quick Trip to Paris!
Ray and I are heading off tomorrow for a short trip to Paris. About a month ago, Ray broached the subject of going for a visit to our favorite art museums. Never to be one to quash a great idea, I immediately jumped on board. (You can always count on me when it comes to…
Another Atmospheric River
I am sitting in my office. It is raining outside – gently at the moment – but it was harder just a little while ago. It has been raining on and off all day after a full night of heavy rain. We got four inches just last night. Tomorrow it is due to rain again,…
A Few Highlights of Today
Today, there were a few highlights. Here they are: As for now, I’m headed to sleep early. I am looking forward to a restful night in this very quiet place with its comfy bed. I hope everyone is having a good President’s Day weekend. I’ll be checking back in tomorrow.
Our Parish’s Book Honoring Those Who Have Died
At St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood, we have a book in which the names of loved ones who have died can be recorded. These people are prayed for every year on or near the anniversary of their death. Every year in February, two names are called out that are very familiar to me: my father,…
Our Son-in-Law’s All-Homemade Mediterranean Dinner for Valentine’s Day
Last night, our son-in-law, Ron, made Valentine’s Day dinner for Ray, Rachael, Liz, Ethan, and me. Everything he served, except for the lettuce, was completely homemade. This included pita bread, tzatziki (a sauce made with cucumber, yogurt, and parsley), and seitan, a flour-based high-protein meat substitute that was so delicious that you’d never suspect it…
“How Do I Love Thee?” for Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day to all. I was thinking of love this evening. Its many faces. Romantic. Platonic. Agape. Here is Elizabeth Barrett Browining’s sonnet read by Dame Judi Dench. It expresses everything I can imagine saying about love.
Pepe Romero: A True Master of Classical Guitar
Tonight I want to share the gorgeous music of guitar virtuoso, Pepe Romero. Watching him play offers insight into the concept of true mastery. Below is a link to hear Pepe play Albeniz’s “Leyenda,” and his father’s composition, “Fantasia.” Pepe is from a family of guitarists who have been performing for over fifty years. The…
Flash Fiction: Not Going Anywhere
My best friend Marcie said she was going to see her mom in another state, but then a week went by and she didn’t come back. Then another week and still no Marcie. She also wasn’t answering her phone and when I called her sister to see what was happening, she expressed concern but didn’t…
We Made It!
We have safely arrived back home in California after our driving trip to Texas. Hallelujah. We stopped by and saw Rachael and Andrew in Covina and then Sarah, Luna, and Lyla in South Pasadena. (Gregorio and Nico were at a birthday party of one of Nico’s friends.) Then we drove to Ojai and saw Liz,…
20 Minutes a Day 